Transform a Vase into a Stylish DIY Savings Bank

Saving money is a goal that consistently appears on New Year’s resolution lists alongside drinking more water, eating healthier, and exercising regularly. While I’ve made progress in most of these areas (the “eating out less” resolution is a constant work in progress!), there’s always room for improvement, especially when it comes to saving. One effective method I rely on is collecting loose change, but this raises the question: where should all those coins be stored? Instead of purchasing a traditional piggy bank, why not repurpose a vase, jar, or container into a unique and personalized DIY savings bank? With just a few easy steps, you can create a functional and decorative piece that encourages saving.

The beauty of using a vase as a coin bank lies in its aesthetic appeal. It seamlessly integrates into your home decor, looking elegant on a living room shelf or an entryway table. To enhance its functionality, I created a custom cork topper with a slot for easy coin deposits. However, if you prefer a more subtle look, you can skip the slot and simply remove the cork whenever you need to add coins. This DIY project combines practicality with style, making saving money an enjoyable experience.

Materials You’ll Need

Cork tiles (available at most craft stores)
Pencil or marker
Strong adhesive glue (such as Gorilla Glue)
Box cutter or X-ACTO knife
Cutting surface (cutting board or cardboard)
Container (vase, jar, canister, or any suitable vessel)

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your DIY Savings Bank

Step 1: Tracing the Vase Opening

Begin by placing the vase upside down on a cork tile. Using a pencil or marker, carefully trace the outline of the vase opening onto the cork. This will serve as the outer boundary of your cork stopper. Next, consider the lip or rim of the vase that the cork will rest on. Draw a slightly smaller circle inside the first one. This inner circle represents the portion of the cork that will fit snugly inside the vase opening. This step is crucial for ensuring a secure fit.

Step 2: Cutting the Cork Circles

Using a box cutter or X-ACTO knife, carefully cut out the cork circle along the inner line you drew. Take your time and use a sharp blade for a clean cut. Once you have the first circle, use it as a template to trace and cut out five additional cork rounds. This will give your stopper the necessary thickness and stability. Having multiple layers of cork also makes it easier to create the coin slot later on.

Step 3: Marking the Coin Slot

Take one of the cork rounds and draw a rectangular slot on the back. The slot should be large enough to accommodate various coin sizes, including quarters and even dollar coins if you plan to deposit them. Ensure the slot is positioned in the center of the cork round for balanced weight distribution. The size of the slot is a matter of personal preference, but err on the side of making it slightly larger to avoid coins getting stuck.

Step 4: Cutting the Coin Slot

Carefully cut out the slot using the box cutter or X-ACTO knife. Work slowly and steadily to ensure a clean and even cut. Remove the cut-out piece of cork and smooth any rough edges. This step requires patience and precision, as a jagged slot can make it difficult to insert coins.

Step 5: Creating Slots in Remaining Cork Rounds

Using the cork round with the slot as a template, trace the slot onto the remaining cork rounds. Carefully cut out the slots in each round, ensuring they align with the template. This will create a consistent passage for coins to fall through the stopper and into the vase.

Step 6: Trimming the Cork Rounds for a Conical Shape

To create a slightly tapered or conical shape for the stopper, trim each cork round so that it is slightly smaller than the one below it. This can be done using the box cutter or a pair of scissors. The conical shape allows the stopper to fit more securely into the vase opening and adds a touch of visual appeal.

Step 7: Gluing the Cork Rounds Together

Stack the cork rounds together in order from smallest to largest, ensuring that the slots are aligned. Following the instructions on your adhesive glue, lightly dampen each cork round and apply a thin layer of glue to the surface. Carefully stack the rounds on top of each other, pressing them firmly together. This is similar to assembling a layered cake. The moisture helps the glue adhere properly. Place the stacked cork rounds under a heavy object, such as a book or paperweight, while the glue dries completely. To prevent the glue from sticking to the weight, sandwich the cork rounds between sheets of paper or parchment paper.

Step 8: Final Trimming and Smoothing

Once the glue has completely dried, remove the weight and inspect the cork stopper. Use the box cutter or scissors to trim any rough or uneven edges, creating a smooth and uniform conical shape. This final step enhances the overall appearance and ensures a snug fit into the vase opening. Sanding the edges lightly can also help achieve a smoother finish.

Your DIY savings bank is now complete! The only remaining task is to motivate yourself to start filling it with coins.

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One of the advantages of using a non-transparent vase for your DIY savings bank is that you can’t see the money accumulating inside. In the past, I used a clear jar, and the money seemed to taunt me, tempting me to spend it. By keeping the cash hidden, I’m less likely to be swayed by the allure of instant gratification. This inconspicuous approach promotes a more disciplined savings habit. So, gather your spare change, unleash your creativity, and start building your financial future, one coin at a time!